Monthly Archives: August 2017

Hamilton Olympic 1 (Goodchild PEN 67’) defeated by Broadmeadow Magic 2 (Pettit 5’, J. Virgili PEN 76’) at Darling Street Oval

Hamilton had a chance to give it a shake at the top – a win, and the premiership may have been theirs.
A Broadmeadow side on a dream run of form in the league had something to say about that though, and a James Virgili penalty 15 minutes from time meant Hamilton wouldn’t have a shot at their first premiership since 2012.

Magic got off to a dream start after Scott Pettit headed home in just the fifth minute to give the visitors the lead.

Hamilton were lacklustre, a surprise to most given they had a shot at the premiership and their form in the lead up – they’d taken 22 points of the last 24 on offer.

The home side would find their way back into the match midway into the second half after youngster Musa Kamara was fouled in the box by young Broadmeadow defender Jeremy Wilson.

Leading NNSW NPL goal scorer Kane Goodchild stepped up, and finished past Nick Giantstopolous to level the scores at 1-all.

It was a penalty at the other end which sealed Olympic’s fate, though. Tyler Warren appeared to bring down Kale Bradbury who’d broken free, and James Virgili stepped up to bury the hatchet. It finished 2-1.

Speaking to BarTV after the match, man of the match Matt Hoole was full of praise for his side and coach.

“We’ve got a few players out and we changed the formation around and played five at the back, I thought Rubes (coach Ruben Zadkovich) got it spot on,” he said.

“Today’s [derby] was a bit of a dead rubber, we didn’t really have anything to play for… to defend the way we did, I thought was outstanding.”

The result means Broadmeadow finish the season in 4^th, and will now host premiers Edgeworth next weekend in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

Matt Hoole had a word on next weekend’s opponents, Edgeworth.

“They are always a tough game, and with the run we’re on I think they want to play anyone but us.”

Hamilton finish 2^nd place, three points behind Edgeworth. They’ll travel to Lambton for their first leg semi-final match.

Under 20s Olympic won 4-0
Under 18s Drew 5-0

NPL Youth Results
Olympic vs Valentine

Under 15s Olympic won 5-0
Under 14s Olympic won 3-1
Under 13s Olympic won 4-0

IN OTHER MATCHES

Newcastle Jets Youth 2 (Thurgate 11’, Joice 16’) defeated by Lambton Jaffas 4 (Kantarovski 20’, J. Griffiths 21’, R. Griffiths 65’, Greentree 90+4’) at Arthur Edden Oval

It’s a score line which looks fairly comprehensive, but the reality is it was far from easy for the Jaffas as they overcame a resilient young Jets outfit.

The youngsters struck first and struck early – an 11^th minute goal to Angus Thurgate gave them a surprising lead.

More surprising still was their second just five minutes later. Cameron Joice headed in at the back post after a Kent Harrison cross from the right, and the Jets Youth had a two goal buffer.

The Jaffas were down early but far from out, and two goals in as many minutes would see them back in with a shout. Michael Kantarovski was the beneficiary of a Joel Griffiths free kick in the 20^th minute, before the elder Griffiths brother scored one of his own in the 21^st to square the ledger – four goals in ten minutes!

Experience often wins out, and it would on Saturday at Arthur Edden. Former Jets captain and current Jaffas captain Jobe Wheelhouse entered the pitch 15 minutes into the second half, and made a fast impact.

A free kick from his boot found Ryan Griffiths, and he made no mistake in scoring his sixth of the season which put the Jaffas in front for the first time in the match.

With nothing to lose, the junior Jets were pushing hard to drag back a point. The equaliser wouldn’t come, but Lambton would capitalise on the gung-ho nature of their opponents in the dying minutes.

Dain Greentree was put through by Ryan Griffiths and broke away from the Jets defence, and managed to chip Jets ‘keeper Tristan Esquilant to give Lambton a two-goal buffer and see them finish 4-2 winners.

The victory secured Jaffas third place, and it means they’ll now host Hamilton next week in the first leg of their 2^nd v 3^rd semi final. For the Jets, it leaves them in tenth.

  

Weston Bears 0 defeated by Valentine Phoenix 3 (Brown 31’, Faulkner 76’, Tserepas 90’) at Rockwell Automation Park

Defeat for Valentine last weekend meant they travelled to Weston on Sunday with only pride on the line.

They went on the road without American striker Jalon Brown who has chipped in for more than a third of Valentine’s goals this season, and despite his absence Phoenix cruised to a 3-0 win up at Weston.

Chris Brown slammed home for Valentine’s first in the 31^st minute, a stunning half-volley from outside the area which went over the outstretched arms of Kane Runge to give the visitors the lead.

Alec Faulkner grabbed his side’s second in the 76^th minute, after beating Bears captain Brock Oakley to the ball. Faulkner finished well into the far corner from outside the area, and made it 2-0.

Alex Tserepas finished off the rout in the first minute of stoppage time, scoring his first of the season with a nice header at the front post and making it 3-0 to the visitors.

Confirmed weeks ago, Weston finish this season with the wooden spoon for the second season running. Valentine, who spent the majority of the season inside the top four, finish four points off the pace in fifth.

 

Maitland Magpies 1 (Hill 69’) defeated by Adamstown Rosebud 2 (Berlin 51’, 62’) at Cooks Square Park

It was an upset the last time these two sides faced off, with Adamstown grabbing an unlikely win back in May.

They did it again on Sunday, with two goals in ten minutes not long after half time enough to secure Adamstown their fifth win of the season and finish the year on a high.

Chris Berlin opened the scoring in the second half after a quiet opening stanza. Mitch Hunter squared it up after a precise cross from the right, and Berlin made it 1-0.

Berlin would score his fifth of the season, and second of the day shortly after. Mitch Hunter played provider once again from the left, and Berlin made no mistake in finishing into the same corner – the right hand one – and doubling Adamstown’s advantage.

Maitland would halve the deficit with just over half the second stanza gone. Zac Hill scored a nice half-volley from just inside the 18-yard box after making a late run into the area, and it was 2-1.

Both sides had chances in the final 20 minutes – Berlin was denied a hat-trick after a good save from Matt Trott, while Ryan Clarke hit the cross bar in the 85^th minute. Ultimately neither side could find another goal, and it finished 2-1.

Maitland went close, but were always on the cusp and never quite there when it came to making the four. They’ve finished in 6^th place, eight points off the finals. Adamstown secured themselves a ninth place finish.

 

Edgeworth Eagles 2 (McLoughlin 75’, Taylor 90+1’) drew Lake Macquarie City 2 (S. Walker 15’, Sparre 24’) at Jack McLaughlan Oval

With the premiership secured the night before thanks to a dominant Broadmeadow performance, Edgeworth were asleep at the wheel and nearly paid for it by giving up all three points.

Instead, a Brody Taylor goal just moments from full time pulled a point out of no where for the Eagles and put a dampener on the farewell to Lakes coach Anthony Richards.

It was Edgeworth who had the opening chance after Keigo Moriyasu won a penalty in the ninth minute. Lachlan Pasquale stepped up to convert, but his effort was saved by Benn Kelly.

Lakes pushed on, and took an early lead after Edgeworth defender Pat Wheeler  misjudged a short goal kick. Tom Walker seized on the mistake and cued up brother Sam, who made no mistake in finishing for his 12^th of the season.

They doubled their advantage in the 24^th minute when Tom Sparre broke free of the Edgeworth defence, and despite regaining their attention managed to steer a shot past Nate Caviliere and make it 2-0.

Edgeworth regrouped after half time and pushed hard, but didn’t find a goal until the 75^th minute. Aaron McLoughlin pinched the ball from the hands of Lakes ‘keeper Benn Kelly, and scored to tighten the match up.

Eagles talisman Daniel McBreen had one in the back of the net two minutes later, but his effort was crossed out thanks to the offside flag.

In the first minute of injury time, McBreen turned provider. He nodded on a ball to Brody Taylor, who finished his chance well to nab the Eagles a point and get the premiership celebrations started.

Edgeworth’s premiership win is the third on the trot, but now their attention will turn to the finals series and a potential third double in as many years. They’ll head to Broadmeadow next Saturday night for the first leg of their 1^st v 4^th semi final.

Speaking to BarTV during Broadmeadow’s match with Hamilton on Saturday night, Edgeworth boss Damien Zane was pleased with how his coaching stocks have risen during his short career.

“Decent start, but pretty high expectations now to keep Millsy [Warren Mills] happy,” Zane said.

“They’re a great bunch of boys, and to do something special… they’ve worked hard for it, and they deserve it.

“They’ve [Magic] have been very good tonight, they’re on a roll and they’ve got some cattle to come back in so it’s going to be tough, the top four teams are all pretty close so it’s going to be a good finals series I think.”

The newly promoted Lakes acquitted themselves well this season, spending some time early in the season at the head of the ladder before slipping down. They finished a respectable 7^th.

Source: sportstg.com

 

Hamilton Olympic v Broadmeadow Magic
6pm Saturday 12^th August at Darling Street Oval

Last Meeting: Round 11, 2017: Hamilton 1 Broadmeadow 2 at Magic Park.
Ladder: Hamilton 2^nd (37), Broadmeadow 4^th (33)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):
Hamilton – Won Roosters 4-0 (a), Won Phoenix 2-1 (h), Won Bears 3-0 (a)
Broadmeadow – Won Jets 2-0 (h), Won Magpies 3-1 (a), Won Rosebud 3-0 (h) 

Bottom Line

It may be a derby, but with both sides now assured of a finals spot it seems this weekend’s evening clash may not live up to the hype which seemed to be brewing in the previous weeks.

With Valentine and Maitland in the finals race and Broadmeadow and Hamilton struggling midway through the season, this clash seemed as though it could be a decider for the final spot in the four not so long ago.

But recently Magic and Olympic put paid to that and have both confirmed they will play finals football once again.

Unfortunately for the neutrals, these are the perils of final round derbies and it looks as though both coaches will rest players in yellow card trouble to ensure there are no needless suspensions going in the finals.

But, regardless of who steps out for either side, both clubs will want the bragging rights going into the finals in what may shape as their last clash of the season.

What is certain is that both Hamilton and Magic are in white-hot form. Magic have won their last eight, Hamilton are unbeaten in eight and have won six straight.

In comparison to this time last season, Hamilton won just two of their last four going into the finals and Magic claimed victory in just one of their final four.

Both have got the formula exactly right this season and will do some damage in the finals.

It’s a difficult match to split with both sides weakened, but the statistics don’t lie and show that Hamilton don’t lose at home often.

They have lost just four of their last 45 regular season home matches and head in as slight favourites.

What the Coaches Said:

Michael Bolch (Hamilton)

“We’ll be obviously going out to try and win the game, the last game of the year. We want to keep our form going into the semi-finals. We’ll get a good indication after what Jaffas do in the afternoon as far as Magic goes. If Jaffas win, Magic can’t go past them. It is a big game in the afternoon [Jets v Jaffas] before we play.”

“I don’t think there [will be any twists and turns] this weekend. Edgeworth are a professional outfit and they’ll be switched on and know what they need to do. Realistically we can reach 43 points and not win the premiership, which is probably the most points we have been on the last few years. It is what it is, we beat Edgy four or five weeks ago and we’ve both won every game since, so I’m not expecting them to drop points against Lake Macquarie.”

Ruben Zadkovich (Broadmeadow)

“To be honest it is bit of a dead rubber for us, we are already preparing for the finals. We are carrying some dead bodies at the moment, boys that are injured and some boys on four yellow cards, so I’m a little undecided on what to do with those boys. We are pretty light on with the boys we have lost so we’ve got to be smart about it.”

“I’ve got to be real careful about who I put out [on Saturday]. Those boys that step in – the younger ones – that haven’t had as much game time, it gives them the opportunity to play without fear and play with freedom. It’s always a nice thing as a player to go into a game where you can express yourself without too much riding on it.”

Key: Magic have conceded twice in their last four, Hamilton just once in four. Can either find a way to goal on a tight and compact Darling Street Oval?

U20s Hamilton Olympic – Broadmeadow Magic Saturday 12^th  August kick off 4.00pm Darling St Oval

U18s Hamilton Olympic – Broadmeadow Magic Saturday 12^th  August kick off 2.15pm Darling St Oval

NPL YOUTH: ROUND 22

U13s Olympic vs Valentine Sunday 13^th August kick off 10.00 am at Darling St Oval

U14s Olympic vs Valentine Sunday 13^th August kick off 11.30 am at Darling St Oval

U15s Olympic vs Valentine Sunday 13^th August kick off 1.00 pm at Darling St Oval

IN OTHER GAMES

Newcastle Jets Youth v Lambton Jaffas
2.30pm Saturday 12^th August at Arthur Edden Oval

Last Meeting: Round 11, 2017: Jets Youth 2 Lambton 1 at Arthur Edden Oval.
Ladder: Jets Youth 10^th (15), Lambton 3^rd (36)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Jets Youth – Lost Magic 0-2 (a), Won Roosters 5-0 (h), Won Bears 1-0 (h)
Lambton – Lost Magpies 1-2 (h), Won Rosebud 6-1 (h), Drew Blues 2-2 (h)

Bottom Line

The biggest question on everyone’s lips is what has happened to Lambton recently?

Top of the ladder for much of the season, everything has turned sour for the Jaffas recently and the common denominator is the absence of skipper Jobe Wheelhouse.

In seven PS4 NPL matches they have played in Wheelhouse’s absence Lambton have won just three, and they were all against sides – Weston, Lake Macquarie and Adamstown – in the bottom half of the ladder.

Against sides in the top six, they have lost to Valentine (2-1), Broadmeadow (3-1), Maitland, last weekend (2-1) and had to share the points with eighth-placed Charlestown (2-2).

If the Jaffas are to be a finals force they will need their midfield maestro back, otherwise it seems that a season which promised so much may deliver so little.

The Jets, on the other hand, seem to be on the improve after what can only be described as a disappointing season, where the highest they can finish is ninth.

They have won two of their last three and were unlucky on the weekend against Broadmeadow not to get on the scoreboard with Angus Thurgate and Cameron Joice missing golden opportunities.

Last time the sides met, the Jets won their first match of the season back in round 11, where they stunned the Jaffas in a 2-1 victory. A double from Kristian Brymora, who is now in Europe, was enough to seal the points that afternoon.

With the belief that they can beat this Jaffas outfit the Jets will be confident, but it is paramount Lambton win to give themselves some much-needed confidence before the finals kick-off.

What the Coaches Said: 

Lawrie McKinna (Jets Youth)

“Another big game for us. Anybody who was at the game on the weekend would realise we deserved something out of the game against Magic. That second half we dominated and when you are playing against good teams you can’t miss good chances and we did.”

“We are out to make it difficult for anybody, so we’ll be up for the game on the weekend. It’s not going to just be ‘let’s go and knock the ball around.’ We are trying to get a result and since myself and Labby [Labinot Haliti] have come in we have achieved some good results and we want to finish on a high.”

James Pascoe (Lambton) 

“As a group, we have had a list of goals this year. One of them is to finish as high as we can on the table. Obviously, it started as wanting to go for the premiership and we said right from our first session of goal setting, at whatever point in the season, if it becomes unattainable we go for second and if second becomes unattainable we aim for third and so on and so on. So, we still have a chance to finish third, so we’ll still take the game absolutely seriously and do everything we can to win it.”

“The most important games coming up are the two that will follow [this weekend]. Our performances have been reasonable without setting the world on fire. We were second best against Broadmeadow Magic that day, and from there we have had a couple of decent victories, a disappointing loss on the weekend and a disappointing draw with Charlestown as well. The wheels haven’t fallen off if that makes sense, we just need a few more things to go our way and get a little bit of leadership back into the team.”

Key: The best attack in the Jaffas (46 scored) and the worst defence in the Jets Youth (52 conceded) meet. Can the Jets keep Lambton’s strong front-men quiet? 

 

Weston Bears v Valentine Phoenix
2.30pm Sunday 13^th August at Rockwell Automation Park

Last Meeting: Round 11, 2017: Valentine 2 Weston 1 at Cahill Oval.
Ladder: Weston 11^th (7), Valentine 5^th (32)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Weston – Lost Blues 1-2 (a), Lost Eagles 0-3 (a), Lost Olympic 0-3 (h)
Valentine – Lost Eagles 0-5 (h), Lost Olympic 1-2 (a), Drew Magpies 2-2 (h)

Bottom Line

Valentine will round out their bright season on Sunday with a trip up to the Hunter Valley where they meet the Weston Bears who will end a second straight season with the wooden spoon.

For such a long period of the season it seemed as though the fairy-tale story of the Phoenix would continue into the finals, but with the sleeping giants of Hamilton Olympic and Broadmeadow Magic awakening in the final half of the competition it proved a task too difficult for the Phoenix and they will finish just outside the four.

Last weekend their finals hopes were ended by a clinical Edgeworth side 5-0, who can now almost touch a third consecutive Premiership.

It seems the Phoenix will rue a late season slide, as the significant reason they will miss the finals.

Valentine come into this weekend’s match, winning just one of their last five, and without their leading goal scorer Jalon Brown who injured his hamstring in the loss to the Eagles.

Weston’s downhill slide has continued for a much longer period than the Phoenix, and they will no doubt want to finish the season on a positive note.

Last weekend’s loss to Charlestown was their tenth straight defeat in the PS4 NPL and, their 14^th of a disappointing campaign which started on a much brighter note.

Weston lost just once in their first five matches, but with a young side it seems the long season has taken its toll and they have lost 14 of 15 since.

In fact, Bears fans could be forgiven for wondering when their next victory will come.

Over the last three seasons the Bears have won just two of their last 40 PS4 NPL matches and will be relieved there has been no relegation the last two seasons.

But, coach Steve Piggott is looking to strengthen his roster in the off-season and improvement seems likely next season.

Valentine will desperately want to finish a strong season on a high, but the Bears at home in the final round of the season could spring a surprise.

What the Coaches Said:

Steve Piggott (Weston)

“We played quite well against Charlestown the other day, a horrible day for football. Westerly winds and the fire. Up near John Hunter they were doing back burning and you could hardly breathe it was coming straight over the ground. On a horrible pitch, it was very bouncy and bobbly, but it was a better effort that the week before against Edgeworth. They put in a good shift.”

“There is nothing but pride for both teams. They [Valentine] have wilted out of the finals and Darren [Sills] will be looking to finish the season on a high note, with his group. We are good mates as coaches and we’ll just be looking to put another good performance in.”

Key: Can Valentine keep the focus for the final week after having their finals dreams shattered last weekend? 

 

Maitland Magpies v Adamstown Rosebud
2.30pm Sunday 13^th August at Cooks Square Park

Last Meeting: Round 11, 2017: Adamstown 3 Maitland 1 at Adamstown Oval.
Ladder: Maitland 6^th (28), Adamstown 9^th (16)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Maitland – Lost Magic 1-3 (h), Won Roosters 4-0 (a), Drew Phoenix 2-2 (a)
Adamstown – Won Blues 1-0 (h), Lost Jaffas 1-6 (a), Lost Magic 0-3 (a)

Bottom Line

Maitland and Adamstown will round out of the season at Cooks Square Park on Sunday, with only pride on the line as the Magpies look to avenge their 3-1 defeat to the Rosebuds in round 11.

Maitland headed into last weekend’s clash with Lambton a mathematical chance of making the finals and they kept the slim hopes of a miracle alive with a 2-1 victory.

But, Broadmeadow’s victory on Sunday against the Jets Youth have made certain there will be no finals for the Magpies this season.

It’s been a disrupted season for the Magpies, with coach Dean Heffernan leaving before a ball was kicked, followed by their first four matches being washed out.

They started the season well, and looked destined for the finals when they beat Broadmeadow 7-0, but that match seemed to be the turning point in their season, winning just one of their next six and their finals hopes went south.

Adamstown come into the match fresh from the bye last weekend, and before that they claimed a tight 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Charlestown.

During the break, coach Nick Webb announced that he would be coaching at Lake Macquarie next season, and you cannot say he doesn’t deserve the opportunity winning three of his last six matches with Adamstown.

Maitland hold the upper hand in recent meetings, winning two of their last three, but they did fall to the Rosebuds in round 11 which was Adamstown’s first win of the campaign after nine matches without a win.

In a boost for the home side, Matt Thompson returns for the Magpies who are favourites to claim the three points on Sunday.

What the Coaches Said:

Phil Dando (Maitland)

“They’ve [Adamstown] improved as the season has gone on and they gave us a nasty shock in the first round of the season. Our boys are keen to go out on a high, they are obviously disappointed we haven’t made the semis, but they want to repair some of the damage caused by the loss to Adamstown in the first round. We are just keen to go out on a high and keep playing some good football as we did last weekend.”

“As always you are playing for pride, that’s a big part of football for me. Everything you do you should do with quality and you should always play with pride. We are doing it for our pride so we want to finish as high as we can, with the best result we can.”

Nick Webb (Adamstown)

“We’ll go up there full of confidence after our last win. We’ll look to go four from eight. That’s what I have asked them and that is all I can ask of them. It’s been a great experience with the boys and I’m looking forward to getting out on the park on Sunday.

“They’ve [Maitland] got so much pace up front and are quite strong through the midfield with Thommo [Matt Thompson] so we are going to look to pressure them as much as possible as we did against Charlestown and hope to take a few more chances that is all. I’m very happy with how it has ended up [coaching at Adamstown]. Without the opportunity that Adamstown has given me, I probably wouldn’t have got the Lakes opportunity so I have to thank them [Adamstown] for that.”

Key: Can Maitland cure their Cooks Square jitters against Adamstown, a ground they have one just three times at in 2017?

Edgeworth Eagles v Lake Macquarie Roosters
2.30pm Sunday 13^th August at Jack McLaughlan Oval 

Last Meeting: Round 11, 2017: Lake Macquarie 1 Edgeworth 2 at Macquarie Field.
Ladder: Edgeworth 1^st (39), Lakes 7^th (22)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Edgeworth – Won Phoenix 5-0 (a), Won Bears 3-0 (h), Won Blues 3-1 (a)
Lakes – Lost Olympic 0-4 (h), Lost Magpies 0-4 (h), Lost Jets 0-5 (a) 

Bottom Line

Edgeworth will be shooting for their third straight premiership when they host the Roosters on Sunday and it has been in these types of matches over the last three seasons where the Eagles have been so clinical.

Since their defeat to Olympic last month, Edgeworth have quickly racked up three straight victories and have set sail for the finals series.

If they seal the Premiership on Sunday, they will also take part in their third PS4 NPL Finals Series where their first assignment will most likely be against Canberra Olympic in the nation’s capital.

But, first things first for the Eagles and that will be to claim victory over the Roosters on Sunday and head into the finals on the back of four victories in the PS4 NPL.

In contrast, the wheels have seemed to have well and truly fallen off Lake Macquarie’s season with the Roosters conceding 14 unanswered goals in their last four matches and have been unable to find the back of the net in their last three.

The news that popular coach Anthony Richards will leave the club at the season’s end is sure to have played its part in the sides poor result against Olympic on Sunday and the Roosters will want to send Richards out with a solid showing on Sunday.

Edgeworth are unbeaten in their last three matches against Lake Macquarie and it seems highly likely that number will stretch to four this weekend.

What the Coaches Said:

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“It’s a hard one, they [Lakes] don’t really have anything to play for or to lose. I guess, you’re not sure how they are going to come out really. Probably the big one is the first goal. If they get it they are probably playing for something. If we get it they start thinking [about the off-season]. It’s just natural, the teams with nothing to play for if you start well, the game just starts to go on and on with no meaning for them.”

“While you are out there you are not doing it, but I’ve been in that situation before. When you are chasing the ball you are just really not chasing it in the same way. It’s hard to explain but, it is just a mental thing that sets in. They’ll be playing on ‘let’s try and ruin Edgeworth’s party’ and if it’s not going that way they [may lose focus]. I think if we start well, you just take that out of the equation.”

Anthony Richards (Lakes)

“It’s a good opportunity for us to see what we have got in the lower grades. We have got a few boys who can’t play because of either injuries or whatever so we’ll be giving everyone a go at the big shots and see how we go. Edgeworth is playing for a premiership and we are playing for a Mad Monday.”

“The other sides have just had more to play for than we have. Hamilton are fighting for the premiership as is Edgeworth. We just haven’t been able to go with them. That is why they are coming second, Edgeworth is coming first and we are seventh. It’s not too hard at all to motivate the side. We probably had the biggest turnout to training this year the other night. We’ve still got numbers to training and everyone is excited and keen.”

Key: With an understrength side, can the Roosters put the Eagles to the test?

source: sportstg.com

This Saturday night is Hamilton Olympic’s last home game of the season and is our Old Boy Days! We take on our traditional rivals Broadmeadow Magic.

1st Grade kicks off at 6.00pm
Under 20s kick off at 4.00pm
Under 18s kick off at 2.15pm

HOFC invite all past players, coaches and committee to Saturday nights game. Wear your old Olympic gear to support the club.

source: Tom Tsamouras

Hamilton Olympic 4 (A.Swan 36’, Duncan 55’, Goodchild 80’, 90+2’) defeated Lake Macquarie City Roosters 0 at Macquarie Field. 

Late heroics weren’t required this weekend, but that didn’t stop Hamilton piling on the goals in the second half as Olympic comfortably defeated Lake Macquarie 4-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Hamilton kept the race for the Premiership alive until the final matchday of the PS4 NPL Northern NSW, where they will need a win against Broadmeadow and hope Edgeworth lose to Lake Macquarie to take out the title.

The Swan brothers combined to open Olympics’ account on 36 minutes, when Matt, threaded the ball through the heart of the Roosters defence to Andrew.

Andrew Swan rounded Roosters keeper Kannon Ford – replacing the suspended Benn Kelly – and finished their opening goal of the afternoon.

The visitors took their slender lead to the break and after the resumption it didn’t take long for Marcus Duncan to head them into a 2-0 advantage after Reece Papas curled his corner to the tall defender at the near post.

Hamilton took a while to score their third, but it was worth the wait as Andrew Swan and Kane Goodchild played a superb one-two and Goodchild slotted from close range to go equal top of the Golden Boot standings.

 But, in stoppage time Goodchild ensured he will be the outright leader in the Golden Boot race going into the final round as he finished off the rout with a comfortable volley after Scott Smith chipped a wonderful ball to his fellow strike-partner.

It was a comfortable win according to Olympic boss Michael Bolch.

“We ran into the wind in the first half, it was probably a good two goal wind. It was pretty strong out there. We led 1-0 at half-time and in the second half I don’t know if they [Lakes] got out of their own half. It was pretty controlled.”

Bolch said the game was played in trying conditions.

“It was difficult today, the ground wasn’t great, the weather was really windy.

“It was probably not so much a danger game, but after coming off big games against Edgy and Valo the last couple of weeks, there could have been that tendency for the boys not quite being up for it, but they did really well.” 

Under 20s Olympic won 4-1
Under 18s Drew 0-0

NPL Youth Results
Olympic vs Weston
Under 16s Weston won 0-3
Under 15s Olympic won 5-0
Under 14s Olympic won 2-1
Under 13s Olympic won 9-1

🏆🏆Congratulations to our Under 13s and Under 15s NPL Youth teams on winning the Premiership today with wins against Weston🏆🏆

Zone League 2
Olympic vs Kahibah
1st Grade Kahibah won 1-2
2nd Grade Kahibah won 1-7

NET results
Under 12s Olympic defeated New Lambton 5-1
Under 10s Olympic defeated Lambton 4-0

Olympic Junior Results
Under 16a Olympic drew with New Lambton 3-3
Under 15a Olympic defeated by Kotara 1-4
Under 13a Olympic defeated Maitland 2-1
Under 12b Olympic defeated by Sth Wallsend 1-7

Under 9/1 Olympic defeated Lambton

IN  OTHER GAMES:

Edgeworth Eagles 5 (Taylor 32’, Holz 41’, Bower 84’, McBreen 90’, Moriyasu 90+3’) defeated Valentine Phoenix 0 at Cahill Oval. 

Edgeworth put one hand on their third Premiership with a comprehensive 5-0 victory, which left Valentine’s finals hopes hanging by a thread and which on Sunday were completely extinguished by Broadmeadow Magic.

Five different players scored for the Eagles in the win, which they didn’t fully seal until the 84^th minute.

After a tight opening half hour, where neither side created much in the way of chances, Edgeworth opened their account in the 32^nd minute. Pat Wheeler chipped a pass down the left sideline for Dom Bizzarri.

Phoenix keeper Scott Carter came charging out of his goals to diffuse the situation, but was too late, as Bizzarri got to the ball first, and looped his cross infield to Brody Taylor who headed home into an empty net.

Edgeworth’s second proved a killer blow before half-time.

Dylan Holz raced down the left edge and attempted to cross into the middle, but the ball instead sliced off the side of his boot and wrong footed Carter, sneaking inside the near post, as the Phoenix keeper frantically dove to his right to keep the ball out.

The Eagles led 2-0 at the interval and when they returned the visitors continued to stifle Valentine’s attack, as Jalon Brown was kept incredibly quiet.

Edgeworth had chances to seal the game earlier in the half, via Brody Taylor and Daniel McBreen, but Will Bower finished the Phoenix off in the 84^th minute. Ayden Brice’s cross was pushed clear by Carter, but fell straight to Bower who thumped his volley into the back of the net.

Things went from bad to worse in the 85^th minute for Valentine with striker Jalon Brown pulling up lame with a hamstring injury and played no further part in the match.

With all their substitutions used Valentine had to play the final minutes with just ten men, and the Eagles smelt blood in the water.

First Daniel McBreen launched a strike from the left edge of the box which cannoned into goal and then Keigo Moriyasu sealed the match in stoppage time with a superb chip over Carter to make it 5-0.

In the wash-up Edgeworth coach Damian Zane felt his side were never troubled.

“I thought we nullified them completely,” Zane said.

“They might have had one shot from distance and a couple of crosses. Other than that, I can’t remember them troubling us too much. Credit to our back four, with Lachie [Pasquale] in front, they were great.”

Zane felt pre-match that his side were primed for a big performance.

“When I saw them today and walked into the sheds to give them the team talk, there is a reason why teams win comps and that look in that shed is exactly it. To win a comp, these boys can smell it and you’ve got to be awfully hungry to take it off them.”

Phoenix coach Darren Sills conceded the Eagles were just too good.

“We set up all week to try and be in the game at half-time. We made a couple of little tinkers to our shape which didn’t work and you put your hand up as a coach.”

“They are a very good football side, and people give them a lot of credit for their attack, but seriously their defence is unbelievable.

“Very difficult to break down, we’ve got the best attacker in the league and he couldn’t get near it. He’s had one shot from halfway, and that was his strike for the day.”

“I said to the boys, it’s round 21 and we are still on a Saturday afternoon alive, which is amazing. We finished third last last year and it looks like we could finish fifth this year.” 

Maitland Magpies 2 (McKellar 50’, Thornton 59’) defeated Lambton Jaffas 1 (R.Griffiths 2’) at Arthur Edden Oval.

Lambton’s late-season slumber continued at home on Saturday, as the Jaffas were downed 2-1 and lost for the third time in six matches.

Maitland, who only have a mathematical chance of making the finals, kept up their strong away form which has seen them lose just once away from Cooks Square Park this season.

But, early on it all seemed to be going to plan for the Jaffas, when the scored inside two minutes. Ryan Griffiths controlled and finished in the box for an early lead.

With a strong wind behind them in the opening half Lambton pushed for a second, and it was Joel Griffiths who came the closest.

The Jaffas striker lashed a volley from the right side of the box which seared towards the top right corner and was tremendously stopped by outstretched Magpies keeper Matt Trott.

Lambton headed to the sheds with a deserved 1-0 advantage, but were left to rue their first half chances minutes after the break.

Five minutes into the half Liam Thornton struck from Josh Dutton-Black’s pinpoint corner.

Less than ten minutes later and the Magpies had a surprise lead.

First Ryan Clarke’s shot from the left was saved by Jaffas keeper Brad Swancott, then Chris Fayers had his shot blocked by Lambton skipper Michael Sessions, before Jye Mckellar calmly slotted his first PS4 NPL goal of the season to make it 2-1.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Maitland were able to keep their slim finals hopes alive – which in the end were dashed by Broadmeadow on Sunday afternoon – as the Jaffas were left to rue their missed opportunities.

Maitland coach Phil Dando described it as an even match made difficult by the wind and a bumpy pitch.

“Kicking with the wind in the first half they were on top and they scored early and then they put us under pressure.

“We battled in the first half and then half-time with that strong wind behind us we were able to go on with it and basically because of it we managed to stay most of the half in their half.

“Probably the first half, they were on top and second half we were on top. But, I think the wind had a big part in it.”

Dando said he was most impressed with the Magpies defence.

“We were missing Matt Thompson and Matt Comerford through injury and young Matt Sokulski came in, but he had to go off after half-an-hour because he couldn’t breathe.

“We changed from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 which we experimented a bit against the Jets on Wednesday night. The two banks of four, just defended really well.” 

Broadmeadow Magic 2 (Pettit 31’, Haynes (p) 77’) defeated Newcastle Jets Youth 0 at Magic Park. 

Peter Haynes’ final regular season match at Magic Park ended in success for Broadmeadow as they sealed their spot in the finals for a third consecutive season. 

Scott Pettit opened Magic’s account for the afternoon with his second goal in two PS4 NPL matches.

Matt Hoole whipped a corner in from the right edge which viciously curled towards the back post, where Pettit prodded the ball over the line.

The Jets should have gone to the sheds locked up, but Angus Thurgate pulled his shot just wide from the edge of the box.

Cameron Joice had another great opportunity in the second half which went begging, and Magic pounced.

The script couldn’t have been written any better. In his final home match in the regular season for Broadmeadow, Peter Haynes got the moment he deserved.

Haynes charged downfield, bumped past Mitch Dobson – who was unlucky not to receive a foul himself – and entered the box where he was brought to ground by Daniel Alessi, who was subsequently red-carded for the challenge.

The Magic Legend then stepped up to the spot and sent Tristan Esquilant the wrong way to double Magic’s lead and seal their spot in the finals.

Magic coach Ruben Zadkovich said their eighth straight PS4 NPL win was “all about guts and spirit”.

“We are battling. We’ve got boys, like let’s say dead bodies out there on the pitch. We are hanging on for dear life with some of them. Three games in a week, and not to mention a really disappointing loss mentally for the boys [in the FFA Cup].

“To bounce back from that, have a big night out and then the travel, and then come back and we barely trained at all and we didn’t prepare for the Jets that well at all. It was just all about guts and determination.”

He also praised retiring veteran Peter Haynes after the match.

“He is everything to our club,” Zadkovich said.

“He is an absolute champion person first and foremost. Forget what he does as a player, he is an absolute champion bloke and anyone who knows him knows that.

“On top of that he is a high-class player and has been for so many years for the club. For him to get that goal on the day that we made a big deal as a club about him, the script was written beautifully for him. He deserves it.

“Not always in football do people get the rewards that deserve, but for Pete it has happened. You can’t say he doesn’t deserve it because he certainly does.”

In contrast, Jets coach Lawrie McKinna was frustrated with the result.

“We improved since we’ve [Labinot Haliti and McKinna] come in and we’ve got high standards and I know Magic are one of the top teams, but I thought they were there for us today.

“I thought we could put a team on the park which was very competitive, which we did, but just disappointed we didn’t get something from the game.

“We feel as though we are improving, but we still have a lot of room for improvement.” 

Charlestown City Blues 2 (Bartlett 71’, Ferguson 80’) defeated Weston Bears 1 (Joel Barner 86’) at Lisle Carr Oval. 

Charlestown sent departing coach Shane Pryce out on a high, as they finished off the season with a gritty 2-1 victory over Weston at home on Sunday.

The victory confirmed Charlestown will finish the season in eighth place on 19 points, with the Blues having the final weekend off with the bye.

After a tight opening half, both sides cancelled each other out and neither could find a goal.

In the opening 35 minutes of the second half, it was a similar story, until Daniel Bartlett headed the home side into a 1-0 lead.

The afternoon got a whole lot trickier for the Bears when defender Jordan Jackson was given his marching orders in the 75^th minute.

The Blues doubled their advantage soon after when Josh Small found space down the left, squaring his pass for Rene Ferguson who finished his season with another goal, the 11^th of the campaign.

Joel Barner gave the young Bears some late hope in the 86^th minute when a sublime pass from Max Forster split the Charlestown defence. Barner sped down the right and cut his shot across Nathan Archbold and into the left corner.

However, it proved too little too late for Weston as they lost their 10^th match straight and 14^th of the season.

Source:sportstg.co

Lake Macquarie Roosters v Hamilton Olympic
2.30pm Sunday 6^th August at Macquarie Field 

Last Meeting: Round 10, 2017: Hamilton 1 Lake Macquarie 1 at Darling Street Oval.
Ladder: Lakes 7^th (22), Hamilton 2^nd (37)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Hamilton – Won Phoenix 2-1 (h), Won Bears 3-0 (a), Won Eagles 1-0 (h)
Lakes – Lost Magpies 0-4 (h), Lost Jets 0-5 (a), Won Rosebud 3-1 (h)

Bottom Line

It’s amazing just how much the seasons of both Hamilton and Lake Macquarie have changed since their last meeting in round nine.

Lakes were sitting in sixth, and Hamilton fifth. Just two points separated the sides, and in the end Lakes went within a whisker of claiming all three points at Darling Street.

In yet another one of Hamilton’s comeback stories Grant Brown scored in the 86^th minute to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat for Olympic.

Since that afternoon, Lakes have won just three of their last nine matches. Olympic have won seven of their last nine and instead of two points separating the sides, it is a cavernous gap of 15 points which separates them.

They say losing is a habit, as is winning and Olympic just can’t find a way to lose a game even if they tried. Hamilton have won five matches straight and in three they have been a goal down, before fighting back to claim victory on all three occasions.

Lake Macquarie have had a tough run of late, losing their last two matches and being on the end of some hefty score lines.

Lakes lost 4-0 last start to Maitland two weekends ago, which followed their 5-0 midweek thumping at the hands of the Jets Youth.

They had the week off last weekend, due to playing the Jets match earlier and have had time to process the news that coach Anthony Richards will no longer be at the club next year.

With Lakes in some turmoil, and Olympic with everything to play for the visitors will be heavy favourites to make it six straight victories.

What the Coaches Said:

Anthony Richards (Lakes)

“[I’m excited] especially when there are two games to go we get to play the two better sides in the comp. I guess, we won’t make the semi-finals but we are going to treat them like it’s our Grand Final. It’s good for us. It’s not so much about spoiling the party for Olympic, but its making sure we finish the year on a good note. We’ve done well to get to where we are and we don’t want to throw away the year with two poor results against two good sides.”

“We want to take these games like we did the first games of the year. We want to be competitive in the big games and we are still testing ourselves as we go. They can smell semi-finals those guys. The seasoned campaigners, guys that have been there a long time. The [Kane] Goodchilds and [Scott] Smiths. This is where they come into their own.”

Michael Bolch (Hamilton)

“We just got to worry about us. They [Lake Macquarie] haven’t got a great deal to play for apart from spoiling some parties. We’ll find out a lot more what happens on Saturday, realistically. The big games are played on Saturday, and they’ll decide a lot before Sunday’s game I think.”

“Obviously, the boys are gaining confidence from it each week. To me they are just getting their rewards for hard work. They put in week in and week out at training and they are receiving the rewards they deserve at the moment. We had a sit down four or five weeks ago about attendance at training and all the side distractions. To their credit the boys have really knuckled down the last five weeks and I think that is showing from the results they are getting.”

Key: In Anthony Richards’ final home game as Lake Macquarie coach, can the Roosters cause a shock and send their mentor home a winner?

U20s Lake Macquarie – Hamilton Olympic  Sunday 6^th  August kick off 12.30am Macquarie Field

U18s Lake Macquarie – Hamilton Olympic  Sunday 6^th  August kick off 10.45am Macquarie Field

NPL YOUTH: ROUND 20

U13s Weston – Olympic vs Adamstown Saturday 5^th August kick off 10.00 am at Rockwell Automation Park

U14s Weston – Olympic vs Adamstown Saturday 5^th August kick off 11.30 am at Rockwell Automation Park

U15s Weston – Olympic vs Adamstown Saturday 5^th August kick off 1.00 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

U16s Weston – Olympic vs Adamstown Saturday 5^th August kick off 2.30 pm at Rockwell Automation Park

IN OTHER GAMES

 

Valentine Phoenix v Edgeworth Eagles
2.30pm Saturday 5^th August at Cahill Oval

Last Meeting: Round 10, 2017: Edgeworth 1 Valentine 0 at Jack McLaughlan Oval.
Ladder: Valentine 5^th (32pts), Edgeworth 1^st (39)

Last 3 Starts (most recent first):
Valentine – Lost Olympic 1-2 (a), Drew Magpies 2-2 (h), Won Jets 3-2 (h)
Edgeworth – Won Bears 3-0 (h), Won Blues 3-1 (a), Lost Olympic 0-1 (a)

Bottom Line

Both Valentine and Edgeworth have experienced heartache in recent times, and while one was on the national stage and the other locally, each defeat had similar importance for both sides.

Last weekend, with a chance to keep themselves in the top four and potentially put themselves in the box seat for a first finals appearance since 2010, all appeared to be going along just fine for Valentine.

Josh Murray put them ahead, and they were on their way to a famous victory against a club with a much bigger budget. But, an equaliser from Kane Goodchild and a last-minute winner from Daniel Bird sent the Phoenix home empty handed.

Now their finals hopes hinge on this weekend. They’ll have to do what just two local sides have done this season – beat Edgeworth. Without victory against the Eagles, a top four is almost impossible. A season which promised so much, may fall short of its destiny.

Similarly, for Edgeworth, they will know exactly what the Phoenix’s pain feels like. In the Westfield FFA Cup, they too played against a side with a much bigger budget. They too had their opportunities. But, a last-minute goal from South Melbourne striker Milos Luijic and they went home empty handed.

There is so much at stake this weekend.

Edgeworth will be aiming to keep ahead in the race for their third premiership, and keep alive the dream of the triple-double (three premierships and three Grand Final wins in three consecutive years). A feat not achieved since the Weston side of the early 70s.

Meanwhile, Valentine will be trying to make the finals for the first time since 2010.

Edgeworth are no doubt favourites, but against a Phoenix side who has lost just once at home this year, and whose season is on the line, this one could go down to the wire.

What the Coaches Said:

Sam Griffin (Valentine Assistant)

“The message [after last weekend’s loss] is going to be that we are good enough. I genuinely believe that the players we have are good enough and the team is even better again. It’s decent individually, but I feel like as a team we have the capability to win everything. We knew that if we wanted to win the comp, we would have to beat Edgeworth at some point and it may as well be this week.”

“I’m liking that they’ve [Edgeworth] played a few games recently. It would have been good if they had of beaten South Melbourne so might have been that little bit more distracted. But, it could go the other way. They might have their confidence dented a bit, and realise they’re not invincible and it would be good for us to exploit that. Again, if you look at where we can poke holes in them it is a short conversation, but we’ll find one.”

Damian Zane (Edgeworth)

“They [Valentine] are well organised. I watched the game on the weekend, and they have to count themselves unlucky not to get something out of it in the end. A mistake by Reece [Pettit] but he couldn’t be faulted in general. That’s the game isn’t it, you get punished for one mistake. They were good and around the time of their goal they had a few chances and could have gone 2-0 up and they definitely wouldn’t have lost the game from there. They would have won it to be honest.”

“I think we still have been defending well, but we haven’t kept a clean sheet in a while. It was good to get that back on track [last weekend]. I thought we defended really well in the Cup, and probably should have kept a clean sheet there. It’s a different beast, Valentine down at that ground [Cahill Oval]. It is quite easy to get Jalon Brown isolated against guys, because it is so big. They do counter and use him quite well.”

Key: Can this weekend’s must win match bring out the best in the Phoenix?

 

Lambton Jaffas v Maitland Magpies
2.30pm Saturday 5^th August at Arthur Edden Oval

Last Meeting: Round 10, 2017: Maitland 1 Lambton 2 at Cooks Square Park.
Ladder: Lambton 3^rd (36), Maitland 6^th (28)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Maitland – Lost Magic 1-3 (h), Won Roosters 4-0 (a), Drew Phoenix 2-2 (a)
Lambton – Won Rosebud 6-1 (h), Drew Blues 2-2 (h), Lost Magic 1-3 (a)

Bottom Line

While Lambton had the weekend off in Round 20, Maitland had their hopes all but ended by Broadmeadow Magic in a 3-1 defeat at home.

Although they are still a chance mathematically, it seems more like an impossible mission for the Magpies, who now sit five points outside the top four.

In recent weeks, Maitland will rue the two goals they conceded late against Hamilton in round 15, where three points were all but secure until they fell apart defensively. Then in round 18 against a ten-man Valentine outfit they could only manage a draw.

While draws have stalled their progress, the Magpies have been difficult to beat, losing just two of their last eight matches.

In addition, their record away from home is also very good, with Maitland losing just one of their nine trips away from Cooks Square Park.

Their opponents Lambton experienced a difficult run of form before having the weekend off with the bye.

They lost to Broadmeadow and drew with Charlestown, before winning last start against Adamstown in a canter by six goals to one.

While the Jaffas have sat at the top of the ladder for much of the year, the recent form slump has meant they are not yet assured of a finals spot.

Victory over Maitland on Sunday would ensure their spot in the finals and a point would go a long way to confirming their place in the top four.

However, with Jobe Wheelhouse and Nathan Morris still out indefinitely, the task is still a little tricky for the understrength Jaffas.

What the Coaches Said:

James Pascoe (Lambton)

“[Maitland are a] good side, a positive goal difference of plus ten, that tells a story in itself I think. They had the issues around the weather at the start of the year which made it really quite difficult for them, I think. On their day, they are as good as anyone so not expecting anything but a very tough game.”

“I think it’s really important, obviously, the bye last week and the 6-1 result the week before against Adamstown was pleasing. So, if we can build on that result with a couple of positive results into the first week of the finals I think very quickly confidence gets restored and all of those sorts of things. We are confident that we well finish the season well.”

Phil Dando (Maitland)

“They [Lambton] are up there and they are doing well. They have recruited players, good players and they have made themselves very difficult to beat. But, having said that, for all the good players they have recruited they should be sitting on top of the comp and not in the position they are at the moment. They are one of the top four and they are going to be difficult to beat.”

“Mathematically we are still in with a chance so we have just got to do the best we can and just work as hard. If we play at our best we can beat anyone, we’ve just got to go and do it. We haven’t been doing it on a regular basis and there are reasons for that. We’ve just got to make sure we get a result and other results go our way. It’s a slim chance, but there is still a chance and we’ve got to go for it.” 

Key: Can Lambton record back-to-back wins for the first time since early June, and set sail for a finals assault?

 

Broadmeadow Magic v Newcastle Jets Youth
2.30pm Sunday 6^th August at Magic Park

Last Meeting: Round 10, 2017: Jets Youth 1 Broadmeadow 4 at Magic Park.
Ladder: Broadmeadow 4^th (33), Jets Youth 10^th (15)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Broadmeadow – Won Magpies 3-1 (a), Won Rosebud 3-0 (h), Won Jaffas 3-1 (h)
Jets Youth – Won Roosters 5-0 (h), Won Bears 1-0 (h), Lost Eagles 1-4 (a)

Bottom Line

Broadmeadow farewell a legend of the club on Sunday in what should be a massive afternoon of Old Boys Day celebrations.

After 19 seasons of top grade action Peter Haynes has decided to call it a day, and this weekend’s match with the Jets Youth will mark his final regular season home match.

However, he will get one last match at Magic Park if Broadmeadow make the finals, which is looking increasingly likely.

Magic have achieved what no other side has managed to this year in winning seven matches straight in the league.

Seven weeks ago with their finals hopes in tatters after a round 12 defeat to Edgeworth the equation was simple. Win seven of their last nine and they would make the finals. Since that afternoon, seven of seven have been won.

Last week, in their toughest test of recent times against Maitland, Broadmeadow dug deep with injuries forcing Jon Griffiths and Josh Piddington off the field and won 3-1 to move into the top four for the first time since round four.

The Jets Youth play their first NPL match in three weeks after an up and down trip to China for the Weifang Cup, an international youth football tournament, where they finished the competition in eighth place.

The Jets tournament started brightly with a 3-1 victory over Shandong Luneng, before they were quickly brought back to earth by Mexico’s Chivas Guadalajara in a 3-0 defeat.

With a spot in the semi-finals on offer in their final group match, the young Jets put in a strong performance against the Belgian giants Club Brugge, but could only manage a 2-2 draw which pushed them into the playoff spots for fifth to eighth.

Back to back losses to the u/19 Chinese National Side and FC Tokyo ensured the Jets finished the tournament in eighth.

Back in the NPL, the Jets have experienced a good recent run of form with back-to-back wins.

A tight 1-0 win against Weston, followed by a crushing 5-0 victory against Lake Macquarie saw the Jets rise to ninth, but wins for Adamstown in recent weeks have pushed the Jets back to second last – a position they will be keen to move away from.

With so much on the line for Magic, it seems there will only be one result on Sunday, but how fatigued they are after their extra-time Westfield FFA Cup defeat could have a significant bearing on the match.

What the Coaches Said:

Labinot Hailit (Jets Youth Assistant)

“I think it was a great experience [in China] for them. They learnt a lot, they lived for 10 days with other clubs and saw them first hand. It was a great opportunity and experience for them and one that will live with them forever. They got to see other clubs, big clubs at the same age and how they do things, what they do and got to play against them. It was a privilege to play in the tournament.”

“They [Magic] are always up there, every year. They are always challenging. They are always at the top, so I think it will be a good test for the boys and we are looking forward to it. There are two more games left, and we will assess how everyone pulls up [after the Weifang Cup]. First things first, we’ll let them enjoy a couple of days off, because they deserve it, and then we will see how they are feeling.”

Key: Can Magic re-focus on the finals run in after their FFA Cup disappointment?

 

Charlestown City Blues v Weston Bears
2.30pm Sunday 6^th August at Lisle Carr Oval

Last Meeting: Round 10, 2017: Weston 3 Charlestown 0 at Rockwell Automation Park.
Ladder: Charlestown 8^th (16), Weston 11^th (7)

Past 3 Starts (most recent first):
Charlestown – Lost Rosebud 0-1 (a), Lost Eagles 1-3 (h), Drew Jaffas 2-2 (a)
Weston – Lost Eagles 0-3 (a), Lost Olympic 0-3 (h), Lost Jets 0-1 (a)

Bottom Line

Charlestown will aim to send departing coach Shane Pryce out on a high this weekend, when they play their final match of the season at home against Weston on Sunday.

With the bye in round 22, the Blues finish their season after Sunday’s clash, and will want to take home three points to ensure they finish a rollercoaster season in at least eighth.

Defeat on Sunday, could mean Charlestown finish second-last if both Adamstown and the Jets Youth can claim victory in their final matches.

After a bright three weeks where Charlestown faced off against the current top three sides in the competition, and led in all three matches, they couldn’t repeat the dose against Adamstown on Saturday falling 1-0 in a tight contest at Adamstown Oval.

It’s been the story of the Blues season. They have shown their quality, but not consistently enough over the year.

Weston come into the match on the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Edgeworth in a match described by many to have lacked intensity.

The Bears will want to add another win to a disappointing season. Their only victory came in their round 10 clash with Charlestown where they ran out comprehensive 3-0 victors at home.

Neither side has tasted much success this season and both will be keen to end the year on a positive note.

The Bears have won just once in their 18 matches thus far, while Charlestown have only won once in their last 13 matches after they started so brightly with three wins in their first six matches.

It’s a difficult match to split, but the Blues may just head into the clash with the edge, playing their final match and looking to make it a positive farewell for Shane Pryce.

What the Coaches Said:

Steve Piggott (Weston)

“They are a bit of a rudderless ship at the minute. Shane has probably clocked off a bit. He is moving on. Their results have been mixed, they’ve played a few young guys the last couple of weeks and again it’s a battle of two teams who are probably not doing too well.”

“I spoke to a couple of players today about the disappointing effort last weekend [against Edgeworth] and most of the players are primed and at this stage. In the talks I’ve had they want to do better than we did last weekend and try and get two victories. That’s always the aim, whether we are successful at that it will be up to what we do and what the other team come out and do. We beat them [Charlestown] in the last round, so I think it’ll be another tight game. Whoever makes the most mistakes will probably get punished.”

Key: Which side can release the shackles and put a difficult season behind them?

Source:sportg.com

Congratulations to all our teams, including players, coaching staff and managers , from Under 13 Youth NPL right through to our Senior 1^st Grade team, for amassing enough points to be 2017 CLUB CHAMPIONS for the second successive year, still with two  fixtures to go. We received official notification today that we “have an unassailable lead.”

For the first time this year, our Youth NPL teams also contributed towards gaining enough points to retain our title.

 Points are allocated in the following manner for matches throughout the year-

Senior Youth NPL- 1^st– 8 points for win, 4 for draw, 20s and 18s- 4 points for win, 2 draw-

Youth NPL – 16s, 15s, 14s, 13s- 2 points for a win, 1 draw. Points for the Youth are counted up until Round 13, when we have played all local NPL teams once.

Since the inception of the NPL competition in 2014, HOFC have been Club Champions for three out of the four seasons, a great achievement!

Already this year, our Under 20s are Minor Premiers, our 1^st Grade is currently in second place, while our Under 18s, Under 15s and Under 13s are all leading their respective competitions.

We will keep you posted on how teams fair in the in this the penultimate round.

source: Con Gounis

Youth Trials: The club wishes to advise that the 2018 Youth NPL trials will be held on the following dates

2018 Teams
U13’s Monday 28 August 2017
U14’s Tuesday 29 August 2017
U15’s Wednesday 30 August 2017
U16’s Thursday 31 August 2017

All trials will be held at Islington Oval.

If you wish to be considered and to participate in the trials you must register your interest by clicking on the link below and filling out the online EOI form.

http://hamiltonolympic.com.au/…/e…/npl-youth-season-2018-eoi

The trials are by invitation only. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Your EOI must be received by 5pm, Thursday 24 August 2017.

If you have questions and / or need further details, contact the clubs registrar:
Heath Stewart: registrar@hamiltonolympic.com.au or 0437776650.

source: Tom Tsamouras

Hamilton Olympic 2 (Goodchild 67’, Bird 89’) defeated Valentine Phoenix (Murray 59’) 1 at Darling Street Oval. 

Hamilton Olympic sealed their place in the finals and ensured the minor premiership race is well and truly on with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Valentine at Darling Street Oval on Sunday.

Down 1-0 just after half-time, Olympic responded with goals from substitute Kane Goodchild and Daniel Bird in the final two minutes to cement their place in the top four.

For Valentine, it was a heartbreaking defeat and it will mean they require two wins from their last two matches to have a hope of playing in the finals.

On a mild afternoon in Hamilton, the first-half was a real arm-wrestle with both sides creating half chances but unable to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Although, in the second half the match came to life.

In a Man of the Match performance, Jalon Brown was superb all afternoon, putting the ball on a platter for Josh Murray to open the scoring in the 59^th minute.

Brown jinked and stepped his way down the left edge and punched a low cross to the feet of Murray who tapped it home.

However, the lead was short lived for the Phoenix as Olympic coach Michael Bolch quickly brought star striker Kane Goodchild off the bench and he made an immediate impact.

Goodchild was played in on goal by Scott Smith and Hamilton’s leading scorer did the rest stepping onto his right foot and calmly slotting the ball in the right corner.

Both sides pushed for the winner and both came close, with the Phoenix probably the closer. Brown again sped down the left and teed up skipper Scott McGinley, but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Olympic’s Daniel Bird wouldn’t make the same mistake and he ultimately landed the knockout blow.

Intense pressure from Goodchild and Andrew Swan forced a rushed pass from Phoenix centre-back Reece Pettit, who played his pass towards Wilson Edwards on the right.

Bird was too quick flying forward and intercepting the pass, before chipping Phoenix keeper Scott Carter to make it 2-1.

The match was far from over though with Valentine having a late penalty shout, as Luke Willard went down in the box, but referee Trent Nash waved the appeals away as Hamilton held on for a crucial victory.

“Heartbreaking” was the word used by Phoenix coach Darren Sills to describe the result.

“It’s the first time we are out of the [top] four all year. It’s disappointing. We’ve got to lift now and get the result against Edgeworth [next week].”

Sills conceded missed chances were the difference in the end.

“Chris Brown’s miss, all he had to do was lob it over the top of Tyler Warren and then Jalon’s got in behind and just unfortunately hit it straight at Tyler’s foot.”

“Those chances came and went and you’ve got to take them.”

After yet another late win Olympic coach Michael Bolch said “he doesn’t know how the heart will hold out,” but he said as long as they take home three points he doesn’t care how they do it.

“It’s like finals football, Valo [Valentine] are playing for their season and so are we. Everyone knew what was on the line. We probably had a bit better of the game in the first half but we just kept pushing that last pass.”

“We just needed to adjust a bit. We dropped Rhys Cooper a bit deeper and played with two tens for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but I thought the turning point was when Kane Goodchild came on.”

Bolch also praised the Phoenix post-match.

“They are definitely good enough [to play finals]. It’s one of those heartbreaking things, they have been in the top four for 20 weeks are there are two weeks left in the season.

“Next week will be whether they are good enough or not, and I think there are plenty of twists to come next weekend.”

Under 20s Olympic won 4-0
Under 18s Olympic won 6-0

NPL Youth
Olympic vs Adamstown
Under 16s Olympic won 2-0
Under 15s Olympic won 9-0
Under 14s Olympic drew 2-2
Under 13s Olympic won 5-1

Zone League 2
Olympic vs University
1st Grade Olympic won 9-1
2nd Grade Olympic won 3-0

NET results
Under 12s Olympic defeated by Wallsend 0-1
Under 10s Olympic defeated Wallsend 5-1

Olympic Junior Results
Under 16a Olympic defeated West Wallsend 4-0
Under 15a Olympic defeated Magic 6-0
Under 13a Olympic defeated Magic 3-0
Under 12b Olympic drew with Magic 2-2

IN OTHER GAMES:

Edgeworth Eagles 3 (Taylor 2’, Moriyasu 25’, Brice 90’) defeated Weston Bears 0 at Jack McLaughlan Oval. 

Edgeworth bounced back from their FFA Cup heartbreak with a 3-0 victory at home, in a match that never reached any great heights against bottom-placed Weston.

Brody Taylor, Keigo Moriyasu and Ayden Brice all found the back of the net as Edgeworth moved a step closer to their third-straight minor premiership.

The Eagles didn’t take long at all to get the scoring started – 62 seconds in fact – as Aaron McLoughlin curled in a cross from against the left touchline onto the head of Taylor at the back post who made it 1-0.

Moriyasu doubled the lead in the 25^th minute as Kieran Sanders played a classy ball over the top of Weston’s defence with the outside of his right boot to the Japanese import who finished with a delicate touch.

The Eagles sealed the match in the 90^th minute via Ayden Brice and it couldn’t have been more ironic. Moriyasu curled in a corner from the right edge and it fell to Brice who tapped home to make it 3-0 – in similar circumstances to Wednesday night.

Edgeworth moved three points ahead of second placed Lambton with the victory and took a huge stride closer to a third consecutive minor premiership.

“The boys were flat to be honest,” Eagles coach Damian Zane said, describing it as an “ugly” contest.

But, he was happy with his side’s ball movement.

“Honestly, the pace we played at if we were fresh it might have been anything.”

“The first minute when we got in and when we got the second one, I was like ‘we ain’t conceding two and we are definitely not conceding three’.

“Brody [Taylor] and Lachy [Pasquale] were exceptional and they actually played 90 minutes the other day [in the Cup].”

In the race for the minor premiership Zane thinks “four points will get us home”.

Bears coach Steve Piggott called it an “ordinary display”.

“I’m a bit filthy on my own team this week for the first time this year,” Piggott said.

“They didn’t give me enough, they didn’t give the club enough and they didn’t give themselves enough.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the worst performance but it has really dented my confidence about their ability to shine when you give them a bit of freedom.

“When you give them the freedom and they come up with blanks, that hurts.”

 

Adamstown Rosebud 1 (Berlin 36’) defeated Charlestown City Blues 0 at Adamstown Oval. 

Old Boys’ Day and a return to Adamstown Oval proved to be just the lucky charm the Rosebuds needed as they recorded their third victory under interim coach Nick Webb.

It was Adamstown’s first win in nearly a month after three straight defeats.

The only goal of the match came in the 36^th minute when Matt Tull was harassed and harried into playing a stray pass straight to Rosebud Charlie Horsley.

From the left edge of the box, Horsley squared his pass to Mitch Hunter in the middle of the box, who played a ball inside to Justin Tannock.

Tannock then threaded a through ball across to the right and Chris Berlin finished expertly at the back post to make it 1-0.

The win moved the Rosebuds from 10^th place on the ladder into 9^th and level on points with the 8^th placed Blues. With the bye next week, the Rosebuds could move as high as 8^th with a victory over Maitland in the final round.

Rosebuds coach Nick Webb said his side “dominated for 90 minutes”.

“You can look at the game anyway you like but we should have won by eight or nine. The first half a dozen goals we should have put through them and the second half not far off it either.

“We trained really well. I brought in Paul Gomez [as assistant coach]. Paul and I work really well as coaches analysing games together and we worked out how we wanted to play against Charlestown and the boys set up, and did really well.”

Webb said the announcement by the club of the appointment of head coach Shane Cansdell-Sheriff for 2018 helped relax his side.

“I prompted them to start to look for a coach,” Webb said.

“I did that because the players were showing a lot of unrest and I didn’t want that.

“Then it has gone against me, that’s fine. But, now that that has happened they know where they want to be or they don’t want to be so they can just play normal.

“The club can sit on their hands as long as they like, but at the end of the day players are what matters and they weren’t showing players what I believe was the right amount of respect.”

 

Broadmeadow Magic 3 (Virgili 13’, Oxborrow 29’, Pettit 80’) defeated Maitland Magpies 1 (Comerford 51’) at Cooks Square Park. 

Broadmeadow Magic continue to be an unstoppable force in the PlayStation®4 NPL Northern NSW, winning their seventh match in a row and all but ending Maitland’s finals hopes on Sunday.

Magic shot to a 2-0 lead within the opening half-hour at Maitland’s Cooks Square Park home and it proved too difficult a task to for the Magpies to run them down, minus injured skipper Matt Thompson, who left the field in the first half after a nasty head clash with Broadmeadow midfielder Alex Kantarovski.

The loss also came at a cost for Magic who lost Josh Piddington (knee) and Jon Griffiths (ankle) to injury, and both are now in doubt for their FFA Cup match in Queensland on Wednesday.

Broadmeadow opening the scoring in the 13^th minute after Mitch Oxborrow threaded a pass down the right edge for a flying James Virgili.

Virgili raced onto the pass and stuck his shot across Magpies keeper Matt Trott, and with the aid of the post the ball bounced over the line and in.

Oxborrow doubled Magic’s lead in the 29^th minute when Dino Fajkovic found him with a square pass from the right. Oxborrow’s first time shot from the top of the box nestled in the bottom left corner.

Broadmeadow led 2-0 at the interval and when they returned Maitland struck almost immediately.

Ryan Clarke weaved his way down the right before gliding into the centre of the park where he played a ball to Matt Comerford on the left. Comerford took on Magic’s defence and came out the other side, neatly finishing past Niko Giantsopoulos.

Soon after Comerford was forced from the park with a hamstring injury which was a blow for Maitland in the front third.

It wasn’t to be Maitland’s afternoon and Magic sealed the match 15 minutes from time when Scott Pettit scored his first goal of the season.

After some neat interplay Kale Bradbury’s shot was saved by Trott, with the rebound falling for Pettit who made no mistake.

The win pushes Magic inside the top four, for the first time since round four as they set their sights on a third consecutive finals berth.

Victorious coach Ruben Zadkovich felt his side was “just a bit too classy” for the Magpies.

“We were petty motivated for that and we knew what an opportunity it was going to be, Zadkovich said.

“We probably deserved it. There was a sticky patch after half-time where they came back into the game really, really strongly.

“We lost Jonny Griffiths at half-time to an ankle injury and were forced to make a substitution that I really didn’t want to make and then Josh Piddington hurt his knee and had to come off and before you knew it we didn’t have a centre-half on the pitch.

“It was a really tricky period for us but the boys saw it out for us really well.”

Zadkovich said he was happy with the desire and determination of his side after the injuries to both key defenders.

“I was really stoked to see their attitude and their willingness to fight and scrap and show the other side of our game which was nice, because lately all it’s been about is our football and us going forward and defending really well and then hurting teams.

“But, this time we were under the pump and we saw it out and then scored and started to dominate again.”

Magpies coach Phil Dando said Magic’s intensity early on was difficult to deal with.

“They were getting it knocked forward early to [James] Virgili and he was causing all sorts of problems and we didn’t really cope with it.”

“All credit to Magic since we played them in the last round Ruben [Zadkovich] has done a great job with them.

“They were a completely different team to the one we played in the first round with the intensity and the way they played. They passed it well and they stopped us from playing and they did really, really well.”

Source: sportstg.com